Bonhams
Los 474
1931 Matchless 1,000cc Model X/3Frame no. 1623Engine no. X3 2861• Present ownership for five years• Restored in Australia• Recommissioning required following storageDesignated 'X/2' on its launch in 1925, the 982cc sidevalve v-twin from Matchless would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, its engine being supplied to Brough Superior for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards. While lesser models came and went, the stately Model X remained a fixture of the range, progressively updated, until 1940. The most significant upgrades along the way were introduced for 1937 when the Model X adopted a shorter frame, restyled fuel tank, and front-mounted magneto. The current vendor purchased this Model X five years ago from a Mr Corey Palmer of Roxby Downs, South Australia, whose father (since deceased) purchased the machine in Papua New Guinea from a university professor in PNG. A Service Garage (Gravesend) supplier's plaque on the front mudguard shows that the machine was sold new in the UK. When Corey's father died the Matchless made its way to Australia, and the Import Approval document dated 28th February 2007 is on file. A 'ground upwards' restoration then commenced, beginning with the frame being sent for sand blasting and painting. Other works included the wheels being stripped; the rims chrome plated and rebuilt with stainless steel spokes; and the tank and several other items sent for chrome plating. The engine was sent to sidevalve specialist Jak Guyomer for a full and complete overhaul. (Jak does the Vintage and Veteran engines for Brisbane's largest restorer, Sleeping Beauties.) The engine has new pistons, valves, bearings and too many other new parts to list. The latter include the camshaft and one flywheel, which had to be made using a CNC lathe (the cost of these two items was around AU$4,000). The Sturmer Archer gearbox has new bearings, also a new end-housing and fabricated steel support for the kick start. The generator and magneto have been overhauled; the instruments refurbished, including an 'Oil Sight Gauge' which is very rare; and the electrics rewired using period-correct braided cable.There is a short video showing images of the restoration on file (available to view at request).The machine will require checking over and recommissioning following a period of storage and inactivity, and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Associated documents include copies of the purchase receipt and the aforementioned import approval.Footnotes:Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Motorcycle Sale Coordinator Annika.morrill@bonhams.com +44 (0) 20 8963 2817All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.N MOTORCYCLESIf purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £125 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.CARSIf purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £250 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
